Chickens are fun, quirky pets that are environmentally friendly and surprisingly easy to care for. Not only are they often enjoyable as pets, but there are plenty of benefits to raising them. Below, livestock feed experts at Gregg Farm Services in Gassville, AR, explain why you should consider raising chickens.

3 Reasons You Should Raise Chickens

1. You’ll Get Farm Fresh Eggs

There’s nothing quite like the rich, delicious taste of farm-fresh eggs. The yolks are a deep, gold-orange color, and the flavor is phenomenal. Be sure you’re feeding your chickens quality livestock feed to ensure they produce eggs on a regular basis. The difference in taste from store-bought eggs is incredible, and they are highly nutritious. Eggs from naturally raised chickens are higher in vitamins and hormone free. You’ll also save money by not having to buy eggs from the store. 

2. They Are Free Pest Control

Chickens love to eat all kinds of insects. Along with livestock feed, they love to peck around and eat ticks, beetles, worms, grubs, and any other bugs they come across. Give them free range in your yard or pastures, and they’ll help control the pest population. 

3. Their Manure Acts as Fertilizer

Chicken manure is an excellent fertilizer, especially for flowers, potatoes and root crops, and vegetables. Calcium-rich chicken manure helps nourish the soil, which then helps your garden flourish. Be sure you’re feeding your chickens well—the better livestock feed you buy for them, the higher-quality fertilizer they will produce for your garden. 

Baby chicks arrive at Gregg Farm Services mid-February and new hatches come in monthly through most of the spring. Visit their website to learn more, or give them a call at (870) 481-5165.